10 Things to Do in Zaanse Boerderijen, Zaanstad Netherlands
Nestled in the heart of Zaanstad, the Netherlands, Zaanse Boerderijen is a unique and picturesque village that offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. From its stunning windmills to its quaint cafes and restaurants, Zaanse Boerderijen is the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the Dutch countryside. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Zaanse Boerderijen:
1. Visit the Windmills: The windmills of Zaanse Boerderijen are some of the most iconic attractions in the Netherlands. Many of the windmills are open to the public and offer tours and demonstrations of how they work. The most popular windmills are the De Gooyer and De Kat windmills, which are both open to visitors.
2. Take a Boat Tour: Zaanse Boerderijen is located on the Zaan River, which is lined with picturesque views of the Dutch countryside. Taking a boat tour is a great way to explore the area and see the sights from a different perspective. There are several companies that offer boat tours, ranging from one hour to a full day.
3. Explore the Cheese Farm: Zaanse Boerderijen is home to the world-famous Zaanse Kaas, a traditional Dutch cheese made with sheep's milk. Visitors can take a tour of the cheese farm to learn about the process of making cheese and sample some of the delicious products.
4. Visit the Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum: The Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Zaanse Boerderijen. The museum is home to a variety of traditional Dutch buildings, including windmills, warehouses, and houses. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace and learn more about Dutch culture and history.
5. Shop at the Markt: The Markt is the main market square in Zaanse Boerderijen and is filled with stalls selling everything from local produce to souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.
6. Climb the Stadsmuur: The Stadsmuur is a historic city wall that was built in the 16th century to protect the city from attack. Today, the wall is open to the public and visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of the city and countryside.
7. Visit the Zaanse Boerderijen Nature Reserve: The Zaanse Boerderijen Nature Reserve is a protected area of land that is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or by bike and take in the beauty of the Dutch countryside.
8. Visit the Zaanse Boerderijen Zoo: The Zaanse Boerderijen Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and monkeys. The zoo also offers educational activities and programs for children.
9. Take a Cooking Class: Zaanse Boerderijen is known for its delicious food, and visitors can learn how to make some of the local dishes by taking a cooking class. The classes are held in traditional Dutch houses and teach visitors how to make traditional Dutch dishes.
10. Enjoy a Beer at a Local Pub: After a day of exploring Zaanse Boerderijen, visitors can relax and enjoy a cold beer at one of the local pubs. The pubs offer a variety of local beers and snacks, as well as live music and entertainment.
No matter what activities you choose to do in Zaanse Boerderijen, you're sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience. From its iconic windmills to its quaint cafes and restaurants, Zaanse Boerderijen is the perfect place to explore the Dutch countryside.